Solving for Displacement in Circular Motion

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SUMMARY

The couple's displacement after walking two-thirds around a circular lake with a radius of 1.60 km is 2.77 km, with a direction of 30 degrees North of East. The initial calculations of 5.347 km and 60 degrees were incorrect. The correct approach involved using trigonometric functions and the sine law to derive the displacement and direction based on the geometry of the circular path.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circular motion and displacement
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)
  • Familiarity with the sine law in triangle geometry
  • Ability to convert radians to degrees
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the sine law in non-right triangles
  • Learn how to convert between radians and degrees in trigonometric calculations
  • Explore problems involving displacement in circular motion
  • Practice drawing and analyzing geometric diagrams for circular paths
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and circular motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to displacement and trigonometry.

  • #31
when using the sine law am I trying to find c?
 
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  • #32
Is it sin30/1.6=sin120/c
 
  • #33
Here is the formula:
\frac{Sin A}{a} = \frac{Sin B}{b}

Now, place values in:

\frac{sin 30}{1.6km} = \frac{sin 120}{x}

isolate x:

x = \frac{sin 120}{sin 30} \times 1.6 km

Now, solve for x.
 
  • #34
x=2.77 Now what do I do now?
 
  • #35
What do you mean, that's the answer (I hope). Does you texbook or you worksheet give the answer?
 
  • #36
thats the same answer i got :smile: ...
 
  • #37
no it doesn't. So this is the answer for the magnitude. What is the direction in degrees?
 
  • #38
Look back at the triangle.
 
  • #39
Are you guys still there? What do I do to find the direction (relative to due east) in degrees?
 
  • #40
Would I do this: theta= tan-1 (opp)/(adj)= 45 degrees?
 
  • #41
Are U looking at you circle with the triangle in it? The angle U are looking for is the angle between the line that connects the 2 dots (initial and final positions of couple) and the line that connects the first dot to the origin.
 
  • #42
Gotta run... :zzz: (actually, got to sleep)

BTW, the direction is 30 degrees North of East. :smile:
 
  • #43
thanks so much
 
  • #44
Glad I could help. :smile: :!) :redface:
 

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